Jose (Chepe) Mejias

As many of you have already heard, we learned last night of the loss of our dear Uncle Chepe.  We are all quite distraught by the news of his passing, but as you can imagine, this is especially difficult on his siblings who will have had to bury three brothers in less than 12 months.  It’s almost too much to bear for any one person -- I look at my mom and can’t even imagine her pain – I pray that the Lord gives her and all the siblings the strength to get through the next few days. 

 In talking to Mom. Ramona, Rosa and Milagros today, they all had only loving stories to tell of Chepe.  He was a kind, generous, funny, and family loving brother who was always ready to lend a helping hand.  In fact, he had a trip scheduled to Puerto Rico for next week, and had an extra bag already packed for his sister Mercedes – bringing things he knew she could use due to the recent hurricane in PR.

 You may or may not know that Chepe was living in Orlando for many years now.  He was retired and often travelled to Puerto Rico, especially during the winter months because even the mild FL winters would aggravate some old, work-related injuries he suffered years ago.  Aside from these injuries, he seemed healthy, which is why this news was/is so incomprehensible – how could this have happened??? 

Chepe lived alone and it was through the goodness of neighbors who realized they had not seen him in a few days and decided to look in on him that he was found.  The neighbors, using his own phone called the first “Mejias” they found.  Imagine Rosa’s surprise when she answered the call she thought to be from her brother, only to get this awful, awful news. 

Today, the coroner ruled his death had been of natural cause and that he had suffered a heart attack.

Chepe’s son, Jose Anthony (Joito) Mejias will be making the funeral arrangements on Monday but he could use our help.  I know this past year has been especially hard on everyone and that many of us are still dealing with added hurricane related expenses, but I hope you can find it in your heart to make a donation for Chepe’s funeral services, however small.  We are a large, loving family and I am confident that we can count on your generosity to help lessen this burden on Chepe’s kids and siblings.

The funeral services will be held in Orlando, FL, but the details have not yet been finalized.  As soon as the details have been worked out, this information will be shared.

Thank you and much love to all,

Nilsa (on behalf of Mom and siblings)